Diffusion and osmosis

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Front

Define isotonic solution.

Back

An isotonic solution is one where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Front

Define hypotonic solution.

Back

A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move into the cell, potentially leading to swelling or bursting.

Front

Define hypertonic solution.

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes compared to the inside of the cell, causing water to move out of the cell, leading to shrinkage or dehydration.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

Back

In a hypotonic solution, water enters the cell, causing it to swell and potentially burst.

Front

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

Back

In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink or dehydrate.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration, requiring energy.

Front

What is passive transport?

Back

Passive transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, typically along the concentration gradient.

Front

What is the role of a semi-permeable membrane in osmosis?

Back

A semi-permeable membrane allows only certain molecules, such as water, to pass through while blocking others, facilitating the process of osmosis.